GABRIEL Heinze has conceded that his prolonged absence from Manchester United may have angered his new club but that he can never say no to Argentina.

The 26-year-old left-sided defender, who joined United from Paris St Germain for é6.9m during the close season, is still to make his bow in a Red shirt due to international commitments.

He was used by his country as one of their over-aged players in a successful Olympic campaign, and took a hoiday in Argentina immediately afterwards.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been understandably frustrated at being unable to deploy his new signing during a time that the Reds have been stretched by injuries, and no doubt feels Heinze has put his country continually before club.

But the Argentinian is unrepentant if understanding.

"Things haven't started the way they should have done but I'm sure they'll change," Heinze told The Sun.

Annoyed

"My situation isn't easy. The directors are a bit annoyed.

"But I always did what I felt was correct. United will be proud to have a gold medal winner in the squad.

"Some pople say I did the righ thing, others say I didn't. But I'm never going to say 'no' to Argentina."

However, Heinze is relishing the opportunity to show Reds fans exactly what they have been missing should he finally make his debut against Bolton a week on Saturday.

"I'm going to put my life on the line for United.

"I deny I have bad relationship with them - I can't wait to play for them.

"I want to respond to what has happened through effort on the pitch. I'm going to show I can shine in the Premiership."

Are such international commitments part and parcel of signing players like Heinze? Have your say